Father John Misty Goes Beatle-esque On New Single

Last year Father John Misty released Pure Comedy, a savagely cynical lamentation for the current state of American society. Well the good Father is returning with a new album this year, and judging from the first couple of tracks it looks like he’s back to where he started – delivering a savagely cynical lamentation for the current state of modern love.

At least that’s what it seems like. Misty throws out so many layers of irony you can’t really tell if the joke is on his audience or himself as well as his intended targets. When Pure Comedy really clicked with a song like “Total Entertainment Forever”, it was an irresistible, smart, lighthearted romp. When it didn’t work it was more of a lugubrious screed that you couldn’t wait to end. Cynicism can be a real double-edged sword because it wears thin pretty quickly.

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Part of the problem with Pure Comedy was the musical style, kind of a folk Rock crooner thing which in Misty’s hands was equal parts sendup and tribute. That’s fine, but it got a little monotonous and that’s why the horns and the energy of “Total Entertainment” stood out. And now Misty’s got another new song bearing a new musical approach for him, and coupled with a typically great lyric it’s a pretty damn fine number.

“Disappointing Diamonds Are The Rarest Of Them All” is certainly the most Beatle-esque thing Misty’s ever done, even if it is part sendup. I would say it sounds particularly Lennon-esque, except that our dear Johnny would never, ever have questioned the possibility of love lasting forever like Misty does:

Disappointing diamonds are the rarest of them all And a love that lasts forever really can’t be that special Sure we know our roles, and how it’s supposed to go Does everybody have to be the greatest story ever told?

Lennon wouldn’t have agreed with the sentiment, but he surely would have loved Misty’s attitude, as well as his view of American society. Let’s see if there are any more surprises when the album God’s Favourite Customer arrives on June 1.

Today, people say Rock is dead, but Rich says bullshit to that. “We’ve got people like Jack White, Beck and Jeff Tweedy who are worthy carriers of the torch that was lit so long ago. Taking the big tent perspective, I would argue that Rock is as vital today as it’s ever been.” You can reach him at rich@rocknuts.net.